New bar and theatre attracting 'best magicians in the country' could open in Hockley

A illusion bar is planned to open in George Street. (Image: Joe Catlow/Nottingham Post)

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An illusion performance venue attracting the 'best magicians in the country' could open in Hockley - becoming the first of its scale in the UK.

Plans to open the concept in George Street state: "The venue has two key elements - it is intended to constitute a high-quality bar as well as a performance theatre, which intends to host one of the most traditional forms of art and entertainment: magic and illusion.

"There are currently no other venues of this scale, not only in Nottingham but anywhere in the UK, and it is intended that The Illusionist will become the 'go-to' venue for this form of art and entertainment in the country.

"Being situated in the heart of England, the venue will have access to all of the best illusionists and magicians in the country."

The business is planned for an empty building next to Peggy’s Skylight bar and opposite the Nottingham Arts Theatre.

The project, designed to create a 'magic room' with capacity for up to 40 people, is set to provide theatre space with up to 100 seats.

Ticketed shows are expected to take place at 6pm and 8pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"After four months of trading, it is proposed that two close-up magic performances will be added to the entertainment schedule, to be run on Thursday evenings.

"These will be held in the close-up magic room, which has a capacity of 40 people per-event," plans add.

A view of where the venue is planned to open in George Street, Hockley. (Image: Joe Catlow/Nottingham Post)

Tourism officials backed the prospect of the city welcoming "the best performers from all over the country".

Kinga Kapias, acting marketing and communications manager at Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “We are excited to see the plans for this unique and interesting bar concept in the thriving, quirky district of Hockley.

"It will be great to see such a vibrant venue occupying what is currently a vacant building, as well as creating jobs for local people.

"As a well-connected city in the heart of the UK, Nottingham is ideally located for this one-of-a-kind venue which will surely attract the best performers from all over the country.

"This bar will really boost Nottingham’s cultural and entertainment offer, providing a completely novel experience for those looking for a night out with a difference.”

Jeff Allen, of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), said the venue would be a "brilliant addition for the city".

"We wish them every success with their application."

According to plans put to Nottingham City Council, the bar is likely to open from 5pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Thursday, and from midday to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

A handful of jobs are likely to be created.

The plan involves leasing the site from the Truelove Pension Fund to The Illusionist Limited.